The Spring and Summer months here in Whiting are normally times I start to get ready for the fall/ winter season as my fishing destinations are now in there winter months or rain seasons. As I have become older, my boat barely hits the water as I have become spoiled by fishing the top destinations in the world. Recently, I took a look at my medical/ vaccination records. I noticed my Yellow Fever Vaccine expires this coming Fall. The Vaccine is good for 10 years and is required for entry in some countries in South America and Africa. So, I called my Infectious Disease Clinic to schedule an appointment for the shot. To my surprised, I was told the vaccine was not available at the clinic. The nurse told me there is a national shortage of the vaccine and they probably would not have it available for at least a year or two. So, I called the Indiana Department of Health to find out where the vaccine is available. I was told there is only 1 clinic in Indiana which MIGHT have the vaccine and it is in Indianapolis. Therefore, I gave my health insurance, Blue Cross in MN, a call. The nurse did some checking and found there there was a huge outbreak in Brazil last year so the USA does not have much of the vaccine. She did some calling and found out that only 2 clinics in Illinois and 1 clinic in Indiana MIGHT have the vaccine. So if you are heading to countries that require the vaccination, I recommend you act fast!Yellow Fever is transmitted by infectious mosquitoes. Early symptoms are fever, jandice, muscle pain, nausea, vomiting, and fatique. It can spread to a 2nd stage which can cause sever damage to the kidneys and liver and ultimately leading to death. Over 30,000 die from Yellow Fever each year. Africa and the Amazon jungle countries have been known to have Yellow Fever.
